Carolina Speedway Opens With Trull Memorial

GASTONIA, N.C. — Carolina Speedway will begin its 49th season of competition with the 11th running of the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series Skyler Trull Memorial March 11-12.

Three races will highlight the card March 12, with the 40-lap Skyler Trull Memorial serving as the main event. Also on the card will be the National Dirt Racing Ass’n GM Performance Late Model Series and the open-wheel modifieds.

“We wanted to offer our race fans something different,” said Carolina Speedway Promoter Clint Elkins. “With not one, not two but three headlining main events on tap for March 12th this should be a night to remember at The Action Track.”

Dean Bowen of Whiteville, N.C., is the defending champion of the Skyler Trull Memorial and will attempt to win the race for the second-straight season March 12.

“I am ready to go,” said Bowen. “I love that place I just wish I was a little closer to home that way I could race there more.”

Bowen is coming off a solid season that saw him claim the Carolina Clash Rookie of the Year Award. He finished second in the championship standings to Dennis “Rambo” Franklin.

“We had a great year last but we are looking for more in 2011,” said Bowen. “We want to win more races and we are geared up for the championship. Hopefully we can back up last year’s win in the Skyler Trull Memorial and get 2011 off to a great start.”

March 11 will see qualifying and heat races for the NDRA GM Performance Late Model Series along with heats for the open-wheel modifieds. The pure stock fours and renegade divisions will compete in heat race and feature events. The Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series will also take part in an open practice session. Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with grandstand gates opening at 5 p.m. Racing will begin at 8 pm.

March 12 will feature a full card of racing as the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series goes through qualifying and heat races before taking part in the 40-lap Skyler Trull Memorial. The NDRA GM Performance Late Model Series will run a 25-lap feature and the open-wheel modifieds will do battle in their own 20 lapper. The street-stock division will also be on the card.

Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. with grandstand gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Racing will start at 7 p.m. Two-day pit and grandstand passes will be available. For more information, visit www.carolinaspeedway.net.